Tips to Survive in Coron

The Calamian group of Islands is the northernmost islands of the province of Palawan and consists of 3 major islands, namely Busuanga, Coron and Culion plus multitudes of smaller islands. The area however is famous for being called as "Coron" because of the populated town of Coron which happens to be at Busuanga Island. And its major island, Coron Island, just off Busuanga features the cleanest inland lakes in the world.






The major drawback of this destination however is that this is one of the expensive locations in the Philippines; however the pristine white beaches, granite mountains floating on sea and scattered among the islands of Calamian, dive sites, and corals makes this destination one of the most sought for in the Philippines.

Even if on a low budget, you can still get to this place and enjoy every single island of it.

Tips:

1. Travel in groups, preferably groups of 6 so you can rent a bangka (small boat) that caters up to 6 people and is cheaper than renting a bangka when you are only a couple. It may be cheaper to come in very big groups with big bangka but usually you will be on a tour package and you would ride along with other people. If this is not your thing then this tip would surely help you out.


2. Rent a place to stay that is a bit outside Coron Town so that it would be cheaper. You don't need to be in an expensive hotel because you will surely be most of the time outside and checking out the beach and islands.


3. 3 days and 2 nights is not enough. Make it longer.


4. Sun Cellular coverage is not available.


5. 1 cup of rice even if you are buying on sari-sari stores costs P20. In Manila, it only ranges from P8-P12, so be prepared for it.


6. Lechon Manok (grilled chicken) which normally costs P180 in Manila costs P200 there even those that are sold at houses by the sidewalk. You need to prepare as well.


7. Most of the time, ATMs are offline so you need to always bring in cash. Banks available there are BPI and Allied Bank.


8. Most of the time, there is no electricity at night. Hotels only run on generators by nighttime so make sure you have a flashlight handy when you go out at night.


9. Maquinit Hot springs is about 38-41 degrees centigrade. It is best to get a dip on this natural hot spring at night time.


10. Any establishment or even street vendors do not accept 25-centavo coin.


11. Shrimp is way more expensive than lobsters here so if you dig crustaceans, better order the latter.


12. Best month to visit Coron is of course, March - May so you could enjoy the beach with mild waves and sunny weather.


13. Planning to climb Mount Tapyas? You should and should do these before you go on an island hopping itinerary so you'll be able to see from above the islands that you are about to check out the next day. And of course to have a panoramic view of the beauty of Calamian Group of Islands. Be ready for the 700 steps though.





View of Calamian Islands atop Mt. Tapyas

14. Bring cash when you'll go on island hopping. There are some islands that requires an entrance fee.


15. Bring cash when you'll go on diving as well. Sometimes, a Tagbanwa tribesman roam around the area and collect P50 per person.


16. Most tour packages that's why they look cheaper is because they only have the Coron Island Tour. Which means you only get to tour the Coron Island and its beach and lakes. There are more islands to visit than just Coron island so check those out as well.


17. When you are at Coron Island, Kayangan lake should not be missed in your itinerary. This is the cleanest lake in the world and creatures there is not even afraid of the people snorkeling. They are not camera shy!





They are not camera shy!

18. Ditaytayan Island is by far, the farthest island in Calamian that boatmen will allow you to hop on. This is the best island to do jump shots. Its sand is so white and the view is breathtaking. Do not forget to bring mosquito repellent lotion because of the sting of mosquitoes according to the locals is painful due to a toxin.





Ditaytayan Island

19. Malcapuya is the best island to have lunch when you tour the southern islands of Calamian. You can also snorkel at its west side and check out some clams.


20. Southern Calamian Islands that are great to hop out is Ditaytayan, Banana, Malcapuya and of course, Coron. Have this itinerary for a day.


21. Most of the boat-wreck dive sites are at the west side of Busuanga so have this itinerary as well for a day. The best itinerary here is at Lusong island where you can check out the shallowest boat wreck (Lusong Gunboat wreck) where there are a lot of colorful fishes ready to swim and let you take their pictures. Be ready with bread so you can feed them and catch their attention. Coral Gardens is also here. Calumbuyan Island is the best island to have lunch on this leg because of the trees and scenery; and you can hear the faint sounds corals do here as well.





Calumbuyan Island

22. West Nalaut is the farthest westernmost island at Calamian and falls within the Philippine border. If this itinerary can be added, well good for you. The island is windy and is best to do para-sailing.

Expenses

Day 1: Coron Town Tour
Busuanga to Coron	300
Motorella	300
Maquinit Hotsprings	80
Dinner	200
Hostel	5760*
Day 2: Coron-Ditaytayan
Town Transport	18
Coron - Ditaytayan Boat	4000*
Coron Fee	200
Malcapuya Fee	150
Lunch	150
Dinner	200
Day 3: Calumbuyan
Town Transport	18
Calumbuyan Boat	3000*
Lusong Island Fee	50
Calumbuyan Island Fee	150
Lunch	150
Dinner	200
Day 4: Pack-up
Coron to Busuanga	300
Breakfast	200
Total Expenses	Php15,426

*can be shared by up to 4 people


Enjoy Coron because I did!

For a detailed information on this, you may check out our Coron experience Day 1 , Day 2, and Day 3.

Map

View Coron Island Hopping in a larger map